My car, as well as many others, have a noise immediately after releasing the start button and firing the engine. It will only happen after sitting a few days. It will make the noise 1-2 seconds after cold startup and go away immediately. It was never there for the first 1.5 years, now it has surfaced. I don't think it's the starter. I'm THINKING that the timing chain tensioner is backing off while sitting, and the noise is coming from the chain. I've replaced my t-chain tensioner assy. to see if that will do it. The car has not sat long enough to say. Anyone hear this noise and found out what it is? The noise is best described as a clattering.

 

You sure it's not the starter Bendix gear (if that's what it's still called) staying engaged with the flywheel? That is, is the starter nose gear not retracting quickly when the starter is de-energized?

 

It's not a cold piston "slap" is it? I've been around several New GM F-bodies that had audible piston slap when cold. Let em' run for 20 seconds and they shut up.

 

It doesn't sound like that, because I've heard sticky bendix's on other cars. It's been sitting a few days now, think I'll go in with the stethescope and have the g-friend start the car.....

 

It doesn't sound like piston slap....You ever put a new Chrysler automatic tranny into gear? It makes a rapid clatter/series of clicks. That's exacty what it sounds like.

 

check to see if the EVAP purge solenoid is making the noise. They can make rapid "clicks" at startup and idle.

 

I will check it out and let ya know

 

good excuse to drive it everday ;p

 

I've got a similar sound on cold starts. Very feint, very quick. Like a little vavle tap or something. How much damage could it be doing? I'm surprised my dealer didn't hear/notice it at the last oil change.

 

I'm sure they noticed. They won't say anything, just blame you when it breaks. At least that's the usual drill with Honda....